BY FIONA MOTSA
MBABANE– A liSwati woman from Vulamehlo at Timbutini has proven that nature is the best provider after she created a unique jam using Marula fruit and lemons.
Bethusile Dlamini said she loved the Marula season as it helped her make extra cash during the marula season and hopes to inspire more emaSwati to use the available resources nature has provided to make money.
“I love the Marula season because I am able to create jam using the fruit. I receive a lot of support in my area (Timbutini) and I have a lot of positive reviews from the people who have bought my jam.
“I believe that my product is really good as well as compatible with other brands and I am determined to continue working on it every year to improve it. I just want to let other emaSwati know they can use the available resources given to them by nature to make a living,” said Dlamini.
Dlamini further explained the steps she goes through in order to produce the Jam.
“My first step is to collect ripe Marula fruit. I then wash them, peel them, de-seed them, and then put them in a bucket. After that, I pound them until it gives out a watery juicy liquid which I then take ten cups of and boil. I then add ten cups of sugar to the boiling liquid and add lemons and leave it cool off,” said Dlamini.
About Marula Fruit
The scientific name of the Marula fruit tree is Sclerocarya birrea. The nutritious little marula fruit is the size of a small plum, but it packs a punch and is also fondly known as the elephant tree as rumoured to be an elephant’s favourite fruit.
The skin of the marula fruit is incredibly high in vitamin C, eight times more than an orange. The marula nut in the centre is also high in protein.
Benefits of Marula
- Marula beer is one of the favourite benefits of this tart fruit. The making of this beer is a much-appreciated skill set, and each batch can taste different, depending on which trees it was harvested from the age (in days, not years), and the technique of the woman who makes it.
- Also, it provides some very necessary income to the women who make and sell it. As women are the creators of this wondrous beer, they are also the main benefactors.
Marula oil which is extracted from the kernels (nuts) of the fruits of the Marula trees (Sclerocarya birrea) and is traditionally used in cosmetics and can also be used as body lotion.
